Laos

IBBY Laos is a new National Section which joined in January 2024.

The Lao Publisher Group was formed in December 2022 as a collective of publishers determined to promote books and reading in the Democratic Republic of Laos. In May 2023, the Group issued its Terms of Reference to define the group's vision and strategy forward.  This includes the strengthening of a children's book industry as well as the publishing industry as a whole, the building capacity of writers, illustrators, editor and people to engage more in creating the reading culture in Laos.

The Lao Publishers Group sets the grounds for the future creation of a Publishers Association which wil operate as a formal entity nationwide. 

By joining IBBY, the Lao Publishers Group hopes to learn and connect with international peers. They stand ready to share local knowledge and expertise about Laos reading statistic and cultures. Among their objectives is the exchange of knowledge about book development processes, ways to set up and promote book awards activities as well as to promote new authors and illustrators, and increase interest from book development partners.